How to clone Windows 11 HDD to SSD with Macrium Reflect

Upgrading your Windows 11 PC with a solid-state drive (SSD) is one of the easiest ways to boost speed and performance. But how do you move everything from your old hard drive (HDD) to the new SSD without reinstalling Windows or losing data? The answer: clone your HDD to the SSD using Macrium Reflect. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

What You Need

• Your current Windows 11 PC with an HDD
• A new SSD (equal to or larger than your used space)
• A way to connect both drives to your PC (SATA cable, USB adapter, or an available slot)
• Macrium Reflect Free Edition (download and install it)

Step 1: Connect the SSD

First, physically connect the SSD to your PC. If you’re on a desktop, plug the SSD into a free SATA port. For laptops, use a USB-to-SATA adapter or enclosure. Make sure Windows detects the new SSD—open File Explorer and check under “This PC.”

Step 2: Download and Launch Macrium Reflect

• Go to the Macrium Reflect website
• Download the free edition and install it
• Open Macrium Reflect

Step 3: Select the Source Disk (HDD)

• In Macrium Reflect, look for your HDD in the main window.
• Click “Clone this disk…” under your HDD.

Step 4: Choose the Destination Disk (SSD)

• In the new window, select your SSD as the destination.
• If your SSD is smaller than your HDD (but still big enough to fit the used data), you’ll need to drag-and-drop partitions and possibly resize them to fit. Macrium Reflect will warn you if there isn’t enough space.

Step 5: Start the Clone

• Click “Next” and review your settings.
• Click “Finish”.
• Choose “Run this backup now” and click “OK.”

Wait for the process to complete. This might take some time, depending on how much data you have.

Step 6: Swap the Drives (If Needed)

• Desktop: Shut down your PC, unplug the old HDD, and plug the SSD into its place.
• Laptop: Swap the SSD for the HDD if you used an adapter.

Tip: If you want, you can keep the old HDD installed for extra storage, but make sure the SSD is the primary boot device.

Step 7: Boot from the SSD

Power on your computer. If everything went right, Windows 11 should start up just as before—but much faster! If it doesn’t, enter your BIOS (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC at startup) and set the SSD as the primary boot drive.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If Windows won’t boot, double-check boot order in BIOS.
• If you see activation errors, connect to the internet and run Windows Activation Troubleshooter.
• If your SSD isn’t detected, check cables and connections.

Final Thoughts

Cloning your Windows 11 HDD to an SSD is a great DIY upgrade. Macrium Reflect makes the process simple—even for beginners. With these steps, you’ll be up and running on your new SSD in no time.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!

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Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!